Candidate injured in road accident

February 26, 1994|By Alan J. Craver | Alan J. Craver,Sun Staff Writer

A Democratic candidate for Howard County Clerk of the Courts was seriously injured when she was struck by a truck driven by a Republican county councilman as she was trying to help an injured raccoon lying on the road Thursday evening.

The candidate, 36-year-old Leslie Jean Cale of the 12200 block of Carroll Mill Road in Ellicott City, was in serious but stable condition at the Maryland Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore yesterday.

She was struck by a truck driven by Councilman Charles C. Feaga, 62, of the 11300 block of Frederick Road near Ellicott City, police said.

The accident occurred about 7:15 p.m. on Frederick Road just east of Marriottsville Road, near Mr. Feaga's home, said county police Lt. Timothy Branning.

Mr. Feaga told police that he saw a car parked at the side of the road with its hazard lights blinking and was coming to a stop to offer his help when he struck Ms. Cale in the eastbound lane of the road. The councilman told police that he didn't see the woman until he struck her.

Mr. Feaga was not injured. He was out of town on business yesterday and could not be reached for comment.

Lieutenant Branning said Ms. Cale had been traveling west on Frederick Road when she stopped after she saw the raccoon lying in the eastbound lane.

Ms. Cale was trying to help the animal, which apparently had just been struck by a vehicle, when she was hit by a 1989 Ford Bronco driven by Mr. Feaga, Lieutenant Branning said.

Ms. Cale was taken to Howard County General Hospital, but was driven by ambulance to the Shock Trauma Center about 11 p.m.

Donald Howell, spokesman for the county Department of Fire and Rescue Services, said Ms. Cale suffered "moderate" injuries.

Lieutenant Branning said the investigation into the accident is continuing, but no charges have been filed against Mr. Feaga, who represents western Howard County.

Ms. Cale is a court reporter for Howard Circuit Judge James Dudley. She is seeking the Democratic nomination for Clerk of the Courts in the September primary election.

Ms. Cale, who has worked at the County Courthouse for about 10 years, is an animal lover, her friends and co-workers said. She has several dogs, cats and horses.